Rocktavo
student-directed
Dr. Pete Eklund, faculty advisor
Rocktavo was formed at the request of the Director of Choral Activities to foster increased visibility of male choral singing on the University of Nebraska campus. All members are registered for the men's chorus and rehearse independently four hours total per week. Underclassmen (even freshmen) through graduate students are represented. Although they are self-directed, they appreciate the opinions and comments of experienced local performers and instructors.
The
majority of their repertoire is produced internally and
forms a lab for new arrangements and creativity. The highly
mobile group can operate as a recruiting arm of the School
as they can quickly and easily find their way to high school
campuses and other venues. The guys bring a diverse set of
backgrounds to the ensemble and maintain the centuries-old
traditions of camaraderie that is so apparent from men's vocal
ensembles. Their performance for the annual fall UNL High
School Men's Choral Fest was especailly important and noteworthy.
In their first year of existence, they won first place at the University of Illinois
ICCA quarterfinals competition (winning best arrangement for
"Figaro" and best soloist), revamped their show at
the advice of the judges, wrote a new opener, and won the ICCA
semifinals at Northwestern University (where their new opener, "Oh,
What a Beautiful Morning," won best arrangement). In April
of 2007, they competed at Lincoln Center, at Alice Tully Hall
and were awared 2nd place overall and best arrangement: "Figaro."
In their second year, with the help of nationally-known Rockapella mastermind, Jeff Thacher, they recorded their first CD.
Audition and schedule
information may be obtained from Pete Eklund at peklund1@unl.edu